Baucau, 15 September 2025 — Psychosocial Recovery and Development East Timor (PRADET), through its Safe House program in Baucau, facilitated a one-day refresher training for beneficiaries of the Socio-Economic Empowerment Program (SEEP). The session was attended by 13 participants (12 women and one man) from the municipalities of Baucau, Viqueque, and Lautém.
The objective of the training was to strengthen the beneficiaries’ knowledge and provide a platform for sharing experiences and discussing challenges faced during business implementation. With the assistance of facilitators from partner organization KAEBAUK, beneficiaries worked together to identify solutions to further develop their economic activities.
Official Opening and Government Support
The training was officially opened by Mr. Francisco Xavier Guterres, Municipal Strategic Director and representative of the President of the Municipal Authority of Baucau, alongside Mr. Clementino Sarmento, Director of CSSM Baucau.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Guterres expressed deep appreciation for PRADET’s role as a civil society partner. He acknowledged that while government capacity is sometimes limited in reaching all vulnerable groups, PRADET has significantly contributed to municipal efforts by empowering women to improve their livelihoods. He encouraged beneficiaries to remain committed to their businesses for the long-term benefit of their families.
Similarly, Mr. Clementino Sarmento highlighted PRADET as a reliable partner of the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI). He emphasized the ongoing collaboration between PRADET and CSSM Baucau in providing social services and livelihood support to women who have experienced violence.
Beneficiary Impact
One beneficiary, Egilda Maria do Rego, expressed her gratitude for the financial and capacity-building support provided by SEEP. She noted that the program has enabled her to sustain her family and pay for her children’s education. “I am proud to participate in this training. It has strengthened my knowledge to grow my kiosk business, which has become a vital source of support for my daily life,” she shared.
